HID Lamps. The Department of Energy has reopened through March 6 the period for public comment on a proposed determination that potential energy conservation standards for high-intensity discharge lamps are either not technologically feasible or not economically justified.

DOE has concluded that standards for high-pressure sodium lamps are not technologically feasible and that standards for mercury vapor and metal halide lamps are not economically justified. There are currently no federal energy conservation standards for HID lamps, and if this determination is finalized that would continue to be the case.

However, DOE is reopening the public comment period to allow interested parties to provide comments and data in response to the points made in a joint comment opposing the proposed determination for the following reasons: energy conservation standards for the 400 watt metal halide representative lamp type are technically feasible and economically justified and would result in significant energy savings, DOE’s analysis fails to properly consider the likely consumer responses to replacing existing HID lamps, and DOE’s analysis should be based on mean lumen output and not initial lumen output.

Commercial Warm Air Furnaces. The DOE is proposing more stringent energy conservation standards for both gas-fired and oil-fired commercial warm air furnaces after tentatively concluding that there is sufficient record evidence to support such standards. Comments, data and information regarding this proposed rule are due no later than April 6. In addition, DOE will hold a public meeting March 2 (that will also be broadcast as a webinar) to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.